standards and guidelines for communication sites - Radio And ...

SITE WALKS CHAPTER 2: SITE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
• Observe and investigate weight (load) considerations. Load restrictions, whether on the access
road, elevator or floor, should be thoroughly investigated and noted at this time. Obtaining special
permits if required to access a site may be time-consuming.
NOTE: Without proper investigation and planning, load restrictions can prevent a site from being used.
• Note potential environmental concerns such as wetlands, dump site, oil spills, garbage piles, nearby
truck stops, and fueling stations.
• Note the type of property (existing facility, building top, private, state, or federal property).
• The construction location should be relatively clear of trees and brush. There should be an
adequately sized layout/fabrication area adjacent to the construction area; lack of such area may
hinder cost-effective construction.
• The construction location should be on level, firm land free of drainage and soil erosion problems.
• In locations where permafrost exists, the building must be isolated from the surrounding earth.
Even the small temperature differential presented by an equipment shelter may be sufficient to melt
the surface soil, leading to major structural and foundation damage. Workable solutions include
building the structure on stilts or insulated pilings. Though it is also possible to construct on
bedrock, special methods for anchoring and grounding must be used.
• If it is recommended or required that an existing tower or structure be used to support proposed
additional antennas and transmission lines, then the original designer should perform a structural
and foundation analysis.
NOTE: It may be impractical or impossible to add more antennas to an existing tower or structure due to the
retrofitting required or the physical limitations of the tower, structure or foundations themselves.
• If it is recommended or required that an existing tower or structure be used to support proposed
antennas and transmission lines, the site should be observed for potential electromagnetic energy
(EME) issues. An interference analysis shall be performed to determine interference that may exist
at the location.
Additionally, these tasks may be recommended to be performed based on the initial site walk:
• On existing facilities, perform a preliminary R56 compliance inspection to ensure proper planning
and advisement to the customer (if required). Ensure proper testing and measurement of existing
ground system integrity, if practical.
• Perform four-point soil resistivity testing if required. See “Soil Resistivity Measurements” on
page B-1.
• Take subsurface soil core samples for soil resistivity if practical.
2-8 68P81089E50-B 9/1/05